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Sunday, February 14, 2010

Editor's Note: This devotion will appear in the 2010 Lenten devotional book that my church compiled.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11.

In the movie the Tooth Fairy, Derek Thompson (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) can no longer say “what if…,” as in “what if I take a chance,” or “what if I give my heart to this person,” or “what if I believe in … .”

In reality, he has lost his ability to dream. He no longer has hope. He simply goes about life almost as if the “same old, same old” is enough.

Thompson coasts along, living life without dreaming, not necessarily because it is easier, but because it seems less painful. By not dreaming, Thompson cannot be hurt when things do not get any better.

It’s only when Thompson begins to dream again, and well, believe in impossible things, does his life begin to turn around.

Sometimes our faith journey is like Thompson’s life. We move along, doing the daily grind, moving forward as if we’re weighed down by the weight of the world.

We forget that God has a plan for us. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to know that we have a future.

Oh, it may not look like we expect, and it may not match our five or 10-year goals, but ultimately, if we place our hopes and dreams in God’s hands, it will be amazing.

Prayer: God, help me recognize the dreams that you give me. Give me enough faith to trust that you will help your dreams for me, to come true.

Question for Today: What are your hopes and dreams? Can you place them in God’s hands? What is keeping you from dreaming “big” dreams today? How would you answer “What if…” today?